Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
Salary

Women comprise the majority of Speech-Language Pathologists in the United States. Individuals in this line of work make around $56K per year on average. The income range spans the entire spectrum between $45K and $97K per year. The most influential factor affecting pay for this group is geography, though the company and tenure have a (lesser) impact as well. The majority of workers are highly satisfied with their job. Although a fair number have medical coverage and a majority have dental coverage, approximately one-fourth claim no health benefits at all. Figures cited in this summary are based on replies to PayScale's salary questionnaire.

XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

Job Description for Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

A speech-language pathologist is a person who diagnoses and treats people with language and speech disorders. Speech-language pathologists can work in schools and hospitals, as well have their own private practice. When working in schools, they focus on providing help and support for children who need help with speech outside of the normal classroom setting. Speech-language pathologists can also help with students who have medical problems that may cause them to struggle with speech and hearing. A private speech language pathologist can have patients of all ages. These speech-language pathologists can work with children or adults who may face difficult speech and hearing impairments. They normally work one-on-one with their patients. Speech-language pathologists begin by assessing the patients to see what type of speech and hearing disorder they may have. They will spend time evaluating the hearing, speech and language test results, along with the patient's medical background to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, and voice and swallowing disorders. Speech-language pathologists administer speech and hearing tests and examinations to patients and then develop, implement, and monitor treatment plans. Speech-language pathologists help those who suffer from stuttering, delayed languages, swallowing disorders, and voice problems. Depending on how the treatment goes, they will adjust the treatment accordingly. They have to document the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of patients. They also instruct the patients in communication techniques and teach speech, muscle, and breathing exercises. It is required by all states that speech-language pathologists hold a master's or other graduate degree. Speech pathologists must be licensed or registered with a national or state organization. A speech language pathologist must have practical and personal skills, as well as verbal and written communication skills. These pathologists must also have patience and compassion. This can be a challenging and stimulating job. However, there is the reward of knowing that speech-language pathologists are helping others.

Common Career Paths for Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

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While not commonly seen, Speech-Language Pathologists who transition into a Rehabilitation Director position may see a rise in pay. The median salary for Rehabilitation Directors is $87K per year. A Speech Pathologist role is the most common promotion for Speech-Language Pathologists moving up the ladder, and pay for the position tends to be around the $67K mark. Another typical, albeit less common, transition for Speech-Language Pathologists is a Speech-Language Therapist position, where earnings are usually $62K.

Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) Job Listings

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Popular Employer Salaries for Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

Leading companies who hire large numbers of Speech-Language Pathologists include RehabCare, Aegis Therapies, Inc., EBS Healthcare, Life Care Centers of America, and Genesis Rehabilitation Services Inc. Kindred Healthcare pays the most with a median salary of $80K, though with a large amount of variation, going from a low of $64K to a high of $122K. Genesis Rehab Services, RehabCare, and Aegis Therapies, Inc. also offer top salaries for Speech-Language Pathologists. Workers at these firms can expect to earn about $79K, $79K, and $78K, respectively.

Salaries are easily beat at Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital, where median pay comes to just $61K, the lowest in the field. What's more, with base pay starting at $49K and ending at $77K, range in salary is rather small. EBS Healthcare, Genesis HealthCare, and HCR ManorCare also scrape the bottom of the pay scale, with typical earnings hovering around $69K, $71K, and $74K.

Popular Skills for Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

This chart shows the most popular skills for this job and what effect each skill has on pay.

Survey participants wield an impressively varied skill set on the job. Most notably, skills in Long Term Care, Geriatrics, Dysphagia, and Clinical Supervision are correlated to pay that is above average, with boosts between 15 percent and 16 percent. Skills that are correlated to lower pay, on the other hand, include early intervention, Childhood Education, and Autism. Speech Pathology is a skill commonly found among those who know Pediatrics.

Pay by Experience Level for Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

Median of all compensation (including tips, bonus, and overtime) by years of experience.

Speech-Language Pathologists do not generally earn higher incomes from more experience in the field. Those in the early stages of their career can expect to make around $60K; however, individuals with five to 10 years of experience bring in $69K on average — a distinctly larger sum. Speech-Language Pathologists who work for 10 to 20 years in their occupation tend to earn about $74K. Individuals who report more than two decades of experience seem to make only slightly more than folks in the 10-to-20 year range; the more senior group sees median earnings in the comparatively modest ballpark of $75K.

Pay Difference by Location

For Speech-Language Pathologists, working in the bustling city of San Diego has its advantages, including an above-average pay rate. Speech-Language Pathologists will also find cushy salaries in Houston (+12 percent), Los Angeles (+9 percent), Philadelphia (+7 percent), and Dallas (+3 percent). The lowest-paying market is Pittsburgh, which sits 21 percent below the national average, proving that location is a significant contributor to overall pay. Below-median salaries also turn up in Austin and Boston (7 percent lower and 2 percent lower, respectively).